Pierzynski ticketed for No. 2 spot in Sox's batting order

Ventura likes the way veteran handles bat

March 03, 2012|By Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune reporter

GLENDALE, Ariz. — A.J. Pierzynski is likely to move to the second spot in the White Sox's batting order, manager Robin Ventura said Saturday.

"He handles the bat great," Ventura said. "He's always a tough out. Not that he steals a lot of bases, but he handles the bat and does the appropriate things. He's one of those guys who will hook it if you have to or put it the other way if they shift on him."

Pierzynski batted .284 in 83 starts hitting second in 2008. He struck out a career-low 33 times in 2011.

Ventura prefers to keep Paul Konerko in the cleanup spot and put a faster player in the third spot, meaning Adam Dunn will bat lower in the order and that Alex Rios could regain the third spot if he rebounds from a disastrous 2011 season.

Ventura added he would bat Brent Morel second against tough left-handed starters since left-handed hitter Alejandro De Aza already is projected as the Sox's leadoff hitter.

Sale stars:Chris Sale didn't look uncomfortable in his first start since the 2010 season with Florida Gulf Coast University. He allowed two hits in the Sox's intrasquad game, struck out one and got Tyler Flowers to ground into a double play in two scoreless innings of work.

"Honestly, I came in here like a deer in the headlights," said Sale, uncertain how to prepare for his start.

Sale threw 15 of 22 pitches for strikes and used his changeup effectively. More important, he paced himself while warming up instead of warming up quickly as he did as a reliever for the last 1½ seasons.

Dayan Viciedo hit a grand slam off Gavin Floyd and made a routine catch in his first start in left field. Rios was flawless in right, BrandonShort hit a three-run double and Dunn drew a walk and struck out.

Listen up: At the suggestion of Dunn, Kosuke Fukudome gave the Sox a pep talk in Japanese that loosened up his teammates before the game. "That's the stuff you look for besides the playing stuff, camaraderie," Ventura said.